Category: europlanet-people

Francesca Miozzi, Ana-Catalina (Ina) Plesa and Agustín Sánchez-Lavega Honoured by Europlanet Career Medals 2026

September 9, 2026

Francesca Miozzi, Ana-Catalina (Ina) Plesa and Agustín Sánchez-Lavega Honoured by Europlanet Career Medals 2026

Europlanet has announced the winners of its 2026 Career Medals, which are designed to honour outstanding contributions from planetary scientists at three stages of their careers. 

Francesca Miozzi is awarded the Europlanet Early-Career Medal for her experimental work on the interiors of rocky planets and exoplanets. Her pioneering high pressure and temperature experiments suggest that magma oceans may dissolve substantial quantities of hydrogen and generate water during planet formation – a result with significant implications for planetary habitability and exoplanet demographics. Beyond her research, Miozzi is dedicated to mentoring and building collaborations to support the community.

Ana-Catalina (Ina) Plesa is awarded the Europlanet Mid-Career Medal, which honours the memory of Paolo Farinella (1953-2000), for her contributions to planetary geodynamics. Her work on decoding the interior structures and dynamic histories of Mercury, Venus, the Moon and Mars, and bridging numerical modelling with geophysical and geological observations, has led to significant advances in our understanding of planetary interiors and evolution. Her contributions to the community include mentorship, outreach and serving as Chair of ESA’s Solar System and Exploration Working Group and as a member of the Space Science Advisory Committee. 

Agustín Sánchez-Lavega is awarded the Europlanet Lifetime Achievement Medal. As a planetary and atmospheric scientist, he has shaped the field in Europe over the last 35 years through his scientific research, university teaching and mentoring, service to the science community, and public outreach initiatives. His research into the atmospheric dynamics of Venus, Mars, the giant planets and exoplanets has combined observations, numerical modelling, theoretical assessments and support of missions, including Venus Express, Mars Express, Mars 2020, and Juice. His contributions have revealed the peculiar dynamics of major convective storms on Jupiter and Saturn, including the planetary-scale disturbance caused by Saturn’s Great White Spot. He has served as a member of multiple national and international scientific committees and working groups, and has been deeply involved in establishing a Spanish community of planetary scientists and building collaborations with amateur astronomers. 

Julia de León, Chair of the Medal Award Committee said, ‘Now into its second edition, the Europlanet Career Medals recognise the contributions of three individuals at different stages of their careers who have demonstrated significant impacts, not just for planetary science, but for our wider community. We are proud to honour these recipients of the 2026 medals and have the opportunity to highlight their many achievements by presenting these awards.’

The awards will be presented at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 2026, which will take place at Amare, The Hague, Netherlands, from 6-11 September.

Europlanet Early-Career Medal Winner, Francesca Miozzi

Francesca Miozzi is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zürich in Switzerland and a Marie Curie Global Fellow on the project ‘ExoDivers: Diving into the mineralogy and structure of exotic rocky exoplanets’.

By training, she is an experimental mineral physicist and petrologist, exposing minerals to extreme pressures and temperature to investigate planetary interiors. Miozzi has a PhD in planetary geology from Sorbonne University in France and has held postdoctoral positions at the Carnegie Institution for Science in the US and La Statale University in Italy.

Miozzi’s major research accomplishments to date relate to hydrogen solubility in a magma ocean, interior modeling of exoplanets, and the compositional determination of exoplanetary metallic cores. As one of very few experimentalists shaping the discussion of exoplanet interiors, she connects mineral physics, experimental petrology, interior modelling, and astronomical observation. Beyond her own results, Miozzi is a committed mentor and her community building activities include convening workshops and fostering collaboration across career stages and fields. 

Europlanet Early-Career Medal citation: https://www.europlanet.org/europlanet-early-career-medal/

Europlanet Mid-Career Medal Winner, Ana Catalina Plesa

Ana-Catalina (Ina) Plesa is a Scientific Staff Member at the Department of Planetary Physics at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Berlin. She has a PhD in Geosciences from the University of Münster in Germany. At DLR, she established a Junior Research Group in planetary physics and plays an active role in shaping research strategy at the interface of geophysics, numerical modelling, and mission science. Her work has been funded by DLR, the German Science Foundation and other German funding schemes. 

Plesa’s 3D thermal evolution models are widely used as reference models within the planetary science community. She has conducted pivotal research on the long-term thermal evolution of Mars, being the first to couple three-dimensional crustal structure with fully-dynamic mantle evolution models. Her work has been instrumental in interpreting seismic data from the InSight mission and she serves as instrument lead scientist for the Venus Emissivity Mapper (VEM) aboard NASA’s VERITAS mission.

Alongside her scientific achievements, Plesa is deeply committed to community service and outreach. She currently serves as Chair of ESA’s Solar System and Exploration Working Group and as a member of the Space Science Advisory Committee. Her dedication to fostering talent has also been formally recognised through her selection as a Humboldt Scout, a distinction that enables her to nominate outstanding international researchers for Humboldt Fellowships. 

The Europlanet Mid-Career Medal continues to honour the memory and legacy of the Italian scientist, Paolo Farinella (1953-2000), in whose name the Farinella Prize was awarded from 2011-2024.

Europlanet Mid-Career Medal citation: https://www.europlanet.org/europlanet-mid-career-medal/

Europlanet Lifetime Achievement Winner, Agustín Sánchez-Lavega

Agustín Sánchez-Lavega is Emeritus Professor at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) in Bilbao. He was awarded his PhD from UPV/EHU and worked at facilities and institutions during the 1980s, including the Calar Alto Observatory (Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemán, CAHA). After his return to Bilbao, he founded and led the Planetary Sciences Group at UPV/EHU, which is now one of the largest research groups in Planetary Science in Spain. He has been the Principal Investigator (PI) of 47 Research Projects funded by UPV-EHU, the Bizkaia Provincial Council, the Basque Government, Spanish Ministries, the European Union and the European Space Agency.

His research interests span the dynamics of the atmospheres of Venus and Mars, extending to the giant planets and exoplanets, and leverage synergies between observations, numerical modelling and theoretical assessments. He has supported multiple planetary missions by ESA and NASA, including Venus Express, Mars-2020, JUICE, Mars-Express. Sánchez-Lavega’s major research achievements relate to the observation and analysis of cloud structure, morphology and a variety of dynamical phenomena in the atmospheres of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In particular, he revealed the peculiar dynamics of major convective storms on Jupiter and Saturn, and Saturn’s Great White Spot planetary-scale disturbance. 

Sánchez-Lavega has served as a member of the Solar System Working Group of the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Spanish National Astronomical Committee, as a manager of the Spanish National Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Program, and as a member of the Scientific Committee for the European Extremely Large Telescope (ESO). He contributed to establishing a Spanish community of planetary science that later integrated into the Europlanet Spain and Portugal Regional Hub, and he participated in EC-funded Europlanet programmes to develop synergies with the global community amateur astronomers around the world.

He has taught courses at universities across Spain and Europe and is the founder of the Space Classroom and the Master’s degree in Space Science and Technology at the University of the Basque Country. A second edition of his University textbook, ‘An Introduction to Planetary Atmospheres’, is currently in preparation. 

He has also been honoured by the Spanish Royal Physics Society in 2010 and 2014, the Basque Country Government (Premio Euskadi) in 2016, the European Geophysical Union (David Bates medal) in 2020, and is fellow of the American Geophysical Union in 2025.

Europlanet Lifetime Achievement Medal citation: https://www.europlanet.org/europlanet-lifetime-achievement-medal/

https://ajax.ehu.es

Further information

The Europlanet Medals, launched in 2025, honour outstanding contributions to scientific excellence, community building, and outreach from individuals at three different stages of their scientific careers, covering the subjects addressed by the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC):

  • Terrestrial Planets 
  • Outer Planet Systems 
  • Missions, Instrumentation, Techniques, Modelling 
  • Small Bodies (comets, KBOs, rings, asteroids, meteorites, dust) 
  • Exoplanets, Origins of Planetary Systems and Astrobiology  

The categories are based on the scientific age of a researcher at time of nomination, which is calculated from the year of the last degree in scientific education (MSc, PhD) without counting parental leave, health leave, or time working primarily outside science. Each of the inaugural Europlanet Medal winners receives a plaque and a registration waiver for the EPSC-DPS 2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki, where they will give a medal lecture.

The Europlanet Medals 

Images

Francesca Miozzi, winner of the Europlanet Early-Career Medal 2026. Credit: K Cain, Carnegie Science.

https://www.europlanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/EC-Francesca_Miozzi_square.webp

Ana-Catalina (Ina) Plesa, winner of the Europlanet Mid-Career Medal 2026. Credit: A-C Plesa.

https://www.europlanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MC-Ana-Catalina-Plesa_square.webp

Agustín Sánchez-Lavega is awarded the Europlanet Lifetime Achievement Medal. Credit: A Sánchez-Lavega.

https://www.europlanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/LA-Agustin-Sanchez-Lavega_square.webp

Contacts

EPSC2026 Press Office
press@europlanet.org
+44 7756 034243

Notes for Editors

About the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 

The Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC), established in 2006 as the European Planetary Science Congress, is currently the largest annual planetary science meeting in the world. It covers the entire range of planetary sciences, with an extensive mix of talks, workshops and poster sessions, as well as providing a unique space for networking and exchanges of experiences. It is the annual meeting of the Europlanet association.

Follow on social media (Bluesky, X and LinkedIn) with the hashtag #EPSC2026 for updates on the meeting.

EPSC2026 is sponsored by The Hague and Partners, Springer, the Space: Science & Technology journal, and the American Astronomical Society’s Planetary Science Journal (PSJ).

About Europlanet

Europlanet (www.europlanet.org) is a non-profit association and membership organisation that provides the planetary science community with access to research infrastructure, services and training. The Europlanet Association Sans But Lucratif (AISBL), established in 2023, builds on the heritage of a series of projects funded by the European Commission between 2005 and 2024 (Grant Numbers 871149, 654208, 228319 and RICA-CT-2004-001637) to support the planetary science community in Europe and around the world. 

Call for Nominations for the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2026

June 29, 2026

Call for Nominations for the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2026

Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2026.

**Deadline for submissions is 20 July 2026**

About the Europlanet Prize For Public Engagement 2026

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement recognises achievements in engaging citizens with planetary science. The Prize is awarded annually to individuals or groups who have developed innovative and socially impactful practices in planetary science communication, engagement or education.

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2026 will consist of a cash award of €1000, a registration waiver and a travel grant of €250 for the EPSC2026 (6-11 September 2026) in The Hague, Netherlands.

The call is open until the 20th of July 2026. Winners will be notified before 30 July 2026.

Find out more:

Nominations Form
About the Prize
FAQs
Past Winners

Call for Nominations for Europlanet Executive Board 2026

June 10, 2026

Call for Nominations for Executive Europlanet Board 2026

Europlanet invites nominations for four positions on the Europlanet Executive Board.

In 2026, the elections will concern the following roles: President*, Treasurer, one Vice President, and one Board Member.

The call for nominations is now open for potential candidates. The call will close on 10 July 2026.

The election results will be announced during the General Assembly at the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 2026 in The Hague/online on Tuesday 8 September 2026. An online ballot will be launched at least 20 days before the meeting, with all Europlanet members encouraged to vote.

Candidates for the Officer roles (President, Vice President and Treasurer) will be invited to an informal interview with the current Executive Board before the launch of the ballot.

* Please note that the current President, Ann-Carine Vandaele, has chosen to step down one year early, with effect after the Europlanet General Assembly 2026, due to external pressures. This means that we are seeking a candidate who will stand directly as President, rather a candidate for President Elect.

About the Executive Board

The Executive Board is the governing body of the Europlanet non-profit Association and Society. Executive Board members are responsible for directing and controlling the affairs and property of Europlanet, including EPSC. The Executive Board consists of five Officers (the President, two Vice-Presidents, the Secretary and the Treasurer) and six other Members, who are elected for a period of four years.

Workload for the Executive Board members

Executive Board members will meet virtually on a monthly basis to review the activities of Europlanet, its finances and to provide directions on future actions.

From time to time, Europlanet Board members will be asked to review funding requests submitted by Europlanet committees and members, as well as bi-annual reports from Europlanet committees and working groups. 

Executive Board members are expected to attend the General Assembly (normally timed to coincide with the EPSC meeting) and other virtual meetings during the year (Europlanet Teams Days in November and May) to report on activities of Europlanet to its membership.

Finally, Executive Board members should act as ambassadors of Europlanet, wherever possible, to promote its activities and actively look for collaboration and funding opportunities for the association.

The formal responsibilities of the Executive Board include:

  • Ensuring that Europlanet complies with the statutes of the non-profit Association (Europlanet AISBL), Society constitution and other relevant regulations.
  • Ensuring that the Europlanet applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of the objectives of the non-profit Association and Society, giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and budgets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • Approving major financial decisions and ensuring proper and effective use of Europlanet’s resources, whilst maintaining and enhancing the reputation and profile of the organisation.
  • Serving on subcommittees to oversee and/or support specific areas of Europlanet’s activity and report on their work to the Executive Board.
  • Contributing to Europlanet’s responses to policy and other consultations on behalf of its membership.
  • Ensuring effective presentation of and interaction with the membership. 
  • Overseeing the processes for election and progression of its members. 
  • Overseeing activities of the Executive Office.
  • Safeguarding the good name and ethos of the Europlanet non-profit association and society.

Conflicts of Interest

Executive Board members should declare any potential conflict of interest that could prevent them from acting in the best interest of Europlanet, notably with respect to European and international organisations and funding agencies (e.g. the European Commission, ESA, NASA) and sister organisations.

Attendance

Any member who fails to attend two consecutive meetings without clear justification (e.g. absence due to illness, health emergencies, compassionate leave, or other approved commitments) will be asked to confirm their continued interest in serving on the Executive Board. If a member fails to attend three consecutive meetings without justification, the Board may initiate the process of identifying a replacement. Justified absences will not count toward the attendance threshold but the Board may redistribute or temporarily delegate the duties of the excused member to ensure continuity of operations.

About the Officer roles

In addition to serving on the Executive Board of the Europlanet Society, the five Officers (the President, two Vice-Presidents, the Secretary and the Treasurer) act as the Directors of the administrative body of the Europlanet Association International Sans But Lucratif (AISBL). This is a legal responsibility with limited liability. 

President

We are seeking a President of Europlanet, who will lead both the Europlanet AISBL non-profit Association and Society. The President is the most senior position of the Executive Board and requires significant commitment, both in terms of time and of vision in steering Europlanet during its ongoing transition to a self-sustaining non-profit association, whilst preserving the needs and values of an academic society. The candidate should have a track record of integrity, sound judgement, and the highest professional standards. Candidates for the role of President should have:

  • Significant experience in management and leadership.
  • Served on the Europlanet Executive Board for at least 1 year.§
  • Experience of representing a scientific organisation to a wide range of audiences.
  • Solid knowledge of the European and international planetary science research and policy landscape.

In addition to undertaking the responsibilities of the Executive Board, the President will:

  • Act as Chair at the monthly meetings of the Executive Board and monthly Finance Committee meetings.
  • Commit to regular interactions with the Executive Office staff on operational matters and to be available (by email/video-conference) to discuss important impromptu (including politically or otherwise sensitive matters) with Officers and senior Executive Office staff as they arise.
  • Represent Europlanet at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) and at other strategic or external events with stakeholders, including European policy makers.
  • Coordinate input from members in preparation for voting on behalf of Europlanet in strategic organisational fora and consultations (e.g. EOSC, EAS).

§ This is a mandatory requirement as a President will be elected directly in 2026, rather than a President Elect, who would serve for one year alongside the outgoing President.

Treasurer

We are seeking a Treasurer of the Europlanet AISBL non-profit Association and Europlanet Society. The Treasurer should have a strong background in financial management and be able to provide oversight on best practice in financial reporting, controls and governance. A background in planetary science or research is not essential but would be advantageous. The candidate should have a track record of integrity, sound judgement, and the highest professional standards to support Europlanet AISBL in its ongoing transition to a self-sustaining non-profit association, while preserving the needs and values of an academic society. This role would suit someone looking to take on a voluntary role in a non-profit who has extensive experience in managing finances and grants within a research institute, or who has a finance background and an interest in research, innovation and community service. 

In addition to the responsibilities of the Executive Board, the Treasurer will have oversight of Europlanet’s finances, working closely with the Executive Office Staff to draft the annual financial report and budget, and to supervise the day-to-day administration of Europlanet’s bank accounts. The Treasurer also will ensure that Europlanet complies with its obligations with respect to:

  • Keeping and filing accounting records for the association;
  • The preparation of the annual statements of accounts;
  • Audits or independent examinations of the statements of accounts.
  • Tax liabilities.

Vice-President

We are seeking a Vice President of the Europlanet AISBL non-profit Association and Europlanet Society. The candidate should have a track record of integrity, sound judgement, and the highest professional standards. Ideally, candidates for the role of Vice-President should have:

  • Experience in management and leadership.
  • Experience of participating in Europlanet activities (e.g. serving on committees or other management bodies).
  • Experience of representing a scientific organisation to a wide range of audiences.
  • Knowledge of the European and international planetary science research landscape.

In addition to the responsibilities of the Executive Board, the Vice-President will:

  • Attend monthly Finance Committee meetings.
  • Support the President in their duties by:
    • Chairing meetings and acting as deputy in other duties if the President is unavailable
    • Representing Europlanet at the European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) and at other strategic or external events with stakeholders, including European policy makers.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us: europlanet@europlanet.org

Nominations

Any two Europlanet members may nominate a candidate for the election to the Executive Board. Self-nomination is possible and encouraged, and any person nominating a third party should have their agreement that their name can be put forward. Standing as a candidate for the Executive Board is an important opportunity to help shape Europlanet at an exciting time, so please consider taking on this role!

An independent Nominations Committee will review the nominations to achieve a viable ballot list, paying due attention to the Europlanet Commitment to Diversity. In the case that there are omissions in the range of candidates which would prevent the Board from operating effectively, the nomination committee may undertake such actions as it deems necessary to correct any imbalance.

Candidates will be contacted by the Nominations Committee and asked to submit a CV and Manifesto.

Europlanet Discord Server Now Open-Access

June 3, 2026

Europlanet Discord Server Now Open-Access

Join our dedicated community server for all things planetary


For the first time since its creation in 2023, the Europlanet Discord server is now available for all the community to access, regardless of your Europlanet membership status.

What can I expect to find on the server?

Our Discord server is accessible and easy to navigate. Inside, you will find:

  • A dedicated networking area for early careers
  • Channels for you to ask your questions to the community
  • Frequent PhD, postdoc and job opportunity postings
  • Announcements and updates about Europlanet Webinars and other Europlanet events
  • Dedicated spaces for Regional Hubs, Committees and Working Groups
  • Open-access voice channels for you to host meetings and ad hoc networking conversations

Join the Europlanet Discord server here >>

Europlanet Teams Day – 20 May 2026

May 11, 2026

Europlanet Teams Day

Wednesday 20 May at 11.00 – 15.30 CET, Online

Join online for free – register here >>


Europlanet Teams Day returns on 20 May for another packed day of networking and community activities. We hope to see you there.

Europlanet Teams Day

20 May 2026 from 11.00 – 15.30 CEST

Theme: Community support and funding

Online

Join us online for a fast-paced, interactive meeting to explore how we can best use Europlanet’s resources to support our community of members and projects they may wish to propose. The morning session will feature facilitated, hands-on discussions to find out about projects supported to date, raise awareness of opportunities and generate ideas on how to shape future funding rounds.

In the afternoon, we will break out into regional and thematic networking sessions. Join us to connect with colleagues, expand your network, and begin your next collaboration.

Agenda (CEST):

  • 11.00: Welcome
  • 11.05: Introduction to Teams Day:
    • Housekeeping (recording, interactive)
    • Agenda
    • Collaboration whiteboard / community board
    • Breakout poll
    • Ask for papers for newsletter
  • 11.15: Europlanet updates (short & punchy)
    • Celebrate some individual contributors
  • 11.30: Activity 1: Ecosystem mapping (networking activity)
    • Whiteboard with four empty segments labelled
      • “I have a project idea I want to explore”
      • “I’m open to join new projects”
      • “I’m looking for new collaborators on a project”
      • “I’m open to mentoring new projects”
    • People add sticky notes to the areas which best describe them with name and research areas
    • Invite participants to interact with eachothers notes and allocate some breakout session space to facilitate these conversations
  • 11.50: Activity 2: Slido polls on “with the CFS, are there other things we should be doing with that budget? Bursaries for meetings? Expert exchanges? What could we be funding that we might be missing? Blindspots?” Do as word-cloud
  • 12.10: Coffee break
    • Set up breakouts – participants vote for breakouts in a running poll
  • 12.25: Breakout Session 1
  • 12.55: Feedback
  • 13.10: Lunch break
  • 13.55: Breakout Session 2
  • 14.25: Feedback
  • 14.30: Wrap-up
  • 14.45: End of session – breakout rooms remain open for further discussion
Screenshot of participants from the first Europlanet Teams Day.
Screenshot of participants from the first Europlanet Teams Day, held on 7 May 2025.

Call for EPSC SOC Members Now Open

December 19, 2025

Call for EPSC SOC Members Now Open

Deadline for Applications: 13 January 2026

Submit your application now!

EPSC is a scientific congress that places an emphasis on sharing values on high-quality science, inclusiveness, and transparency. In our commitment to keep the EPSC an open scientific forum for scientists at any career stage level, the EPSC Executive Committee has launched a Call for Members of the Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC).

The new mandate for the SOC is valid for the 2026/27 two-year period. The structure of the SOC will be divided into the six Programme Groups (PGs) of the EPSC conference:

  • Terrestrial Planets (TP)
  • Outer Planet Systems (OPS)
  • Missions, Instrumentation, Techniques, Modelling (MITM)
  • Small Bodies (comets, KBOs, rings, asteroids, meteorites, dust) (SB)
  • Exoplanets, Origins of Planetary Systems and Astrobiology (EXOA)
  • Outreach, Diversity, Amateur Astronomy, and Community (ODAC)

The number of SOC members in each PG will be between 2 and 4, depending on the size of the PG itself. Ideally, each PG will be assigned both senior and early-career scientists, and the gender balance will also be considered.

To apply, please send an email with the subject “EPSC SOC 2026 membership application” to Stavro Ivanovski (stavro.ivanovski@inaf.it) and Giovanni Poggiali (giovanni.poggiali@inaf.it) expressing your interest in joining the SOC, indicating your preference for the PG you would like to participate in, with a few sentences that summarize your scientific fields of interest and expertise. Furthermore, attached to the email a CV of two pages.

New members are expected to commit to the SOC duties and to be involved in organizing the conference. In particular, SOC members have:

  1. To solicit the scientific community to submit sessions and to create sessions if important and/or breakthrough scientific content is missing.
  2. To review the submitted sessions
    1. to verify that the most important areas of research relevant to the PG topic are covered, and
    2. to add missing sessions, if necessary.
  3. To participate actively in the EPSC SOC meetings and to respect the deadlines.
  4. To participate in the EPSC within the limits of your possibilities and support the EPSC Executive Committee to ensure a smooth execution.
  5. To act as session convener if necessary.

Before applying, please note that part of the activity needs to be done online in the summer months. Please also note that participating in EPSC SOC is a volunteering activity, and no reduction of registration fees or any other financial benefits are awarded to the SOC members (all EPSC Executive Committee members pay the regular fees).

For a detailed description of the EPSC SOC duties, please refer to SOC guidelines on the website: https://www.epsc2026.eu/guidelines/soc-guidelines.html

All SOC members must follow the Code of Conduct of EPSC:

Please send your applications by 13 January 2026. If you are selected, you will be notified by the end of January.

The support of the SOC members of the EPSC is fundamental, and without their enthusiastic work, the conference simply cannot be realized. In the past years, the SOC members have conducted EPSC meetings of a very high level of scientific content and effective collaborations so far. We are deeply thankful to all past SOC members for their dedicated work.

Stavro Ivanovski and Giovanni Poggiali

EPSC SOC Co-Chairs

Europlanet Teams Day – 12 November 2025

November 4, 2025

Europlanet Teams Day

Wednesday 12 November at 11.00 – 15.30 CET, Online

Join online for free – register here >>


Europlanet Teams Day returns on 12 November 2025! Join us online, for free, for a fast-paced day of networking themed around interactive activities and breakout sessions with our regional hubs, thematic committees and working groups.

Europlanet Teams Day will get the community talking and working together, with an emphasis on upcoming opportunities within Europlanet and within the broader European funding landscape.

Join us on 12 November to meet new collaborators within the Europlanet community, find out about upcoming opportunities and how you can be involved.

Our agenda for the day will be released shortly.

For more information about what happened at the last Teams Day, read the report here >>

Screenshot of participants from the first Europlanet Teams Day.
Screenshot of participants from the first Europlanet Teams Day, held on 7 May 2025.

Europlanet Evaluation Shows Networking and Collaboration Pave the Way to High Impact Science: Case Study Featured in Nature Astronomy

October 17, 2025

Europlanet Evaluation Shows Networking and Collaboration Pave the Way to High Impact Science: Case Study Featured in Nature Astronomy

Evaluation of the impact of the most recent €10-million Europlanet project funded by the European Commission (EC) has been featured as a case study in the journal Nature Astronomy, published today. 

The Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure (RI) project, which ran between 1 February 2020 and 31 July 2024, provided access to the world’s largest coordinated collection of planetary simulation and analysis facilities, virtual access to data services and tools, funding for upgrades to facilities and programmes, and a range of activities to support the community though networking, training, professional development and access to a telescope network. The project, which involved over 50 partners, was one of the most complex distributed research infrastructures ever funded by the EC. 

From proposal stage, an Impact Evaluation Officer – the social scientist Jen DeWitt – was recruited and embedded in the project to delve into and document its results, outcomes and longer-term impacts.

Lonneke Roelofs from the Netherlands visited the Mars Chamber at the Open University, UK, through the Europlanet 2024 RI Transnational Access Programme. Credit: L Roelofs.

The comment piece in Nature Astronomy highlights how having robust evaluation built into a project from the beginning leads to high-impact science and an outwards looking ethos that benefits the whole planetary community. Key findings from the evaluation also show that the networking and personal contacts associated with participation in the project’s activities, particularly the Transnational Access visits to laboratories and field sites, lead to better science, new avenues of research and long-lasting collaborations that would not have otherwise occurred.

“It’s never a straightforward pipeline between funding going in and good science coming out. Many things happen in the middle, and it’s important to understand what those factors are and how they affect the quality and longer-term impacts of the science itself, as well as the researchers doing the work and the wider communities around them,” explained DeWitt. “For students and early-career researchers starting out, these impacts are particularly important as they provide opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them and accelerate their careers.”

The evaluation of Europlanet 2024 RI was structured around five impact areas defined in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reference framework for evaluating research infrastructures, including scientific, technological, training and education, economic and societal impacts. Together with the project management team and activity leads, DeWitt defined key performance indicators that were mapped onto strategic objectives within the impact areas, and these were regularly reviewed, refined and updated over the course of the project. As well as quantitative metrics, like numbers of users and publications, DeWitt also gathered qualitative feedback through open-ended questions in surveys and via interviews.

Europlanet 2024 RI networking workshop. Credit: A Fratti.

Nigel Mason, the Coordinator of Europlanet 2024 RI and its predecessor RI project said: “This project was the last in a series that have received €28 million funding over 20 years from the EC. Although we had collected the metrics required by the EC for all past projects, this time, we wanted a more in-depth understanding of the results and outcomes, in both the short and longer term. To do that, we needed to bring in someone with the right expertise to work with us right from the start. 

“Having a dedicated evaluator who had the time and expertise to gather more in-depth feedback meant that we could see how interactions with users developed over time and how the different strands of the project came together and functioned as a whole to support the community.”

The evaluation – and the management of the project itself – was complicated by the world events of 2020-24, including the pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Ethiopia, and the associated financial and societal challenges. Many activities required temporary or permanent adaptations in response to lockdowns, travel restrictions, health issues and personnel changes. Some barriers to impact remained, particularly with respect to widening participation from parts of the community that are under-represented in planetary science, where face-to-face participation and hosting events locally have been shown to be particularly important.

Nonetheless, the evaluation showed impact in all areas monitored, particularly with respect to scientific and training. The project has resulted in over 250 publications and conference presentations to date, and the mentoring, expert exchanges, training programmes and summer schools were all highlighted as being particularly important for early careers and researchers from under-represented countries during the pandemic. Over 90% of Transnational Access visits have resulted in ongoing research collaborations, and two thirds of participants reported that they followed up new avenues of research as a result of their visit. 

Understanding what did and did not work for users and how both users and project partners benefited over time were key to delivering a successful project and defining what should come next.  

“This evaluation is not just important in explaining to the European Commission – and the public taxpayers – about how their money has been spent and why the results have been beneficial to science and society. It has also had a vital practical use in helping us to identify where we should prioritise limited resources going forwards,” said Europlanet Vice-President, Anita Heward. “Europlanet is now a self-sustaining non-profit association and, if we are to continue to support the planetary community, we need to know where Europlanet’s activities have the biggest impact and best value for money. The evaluation has helped us do this in a robust, evidence-driven way.”

The importance of collaboration and networking in delivering high-impact planetary science was a key finding, with the evaluation helping to identify exactly how and why they are important.

“These results show that the popular stereotypes of scientists as lone geniuses working in isolation are diametrically opposite to how good science happens in practice. Success in research comes through building networks, talking, listening, learning and collaborating with colleagues – especially when it happens at an international and cross-border level. When we are talking to the next generation about careers in science, or to policy makers, the strength and importance of community is something that we should highlight and be really proud of,” said DeWitt.

Public access sharing link to article.

DeWitt, J., Heward, A. & Mason, N.J. Insights into evaluating a research project through an impact case study of a pan-European research infrastructure. Nat Astron 9, 1415–1417 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-025-02684-7

Europlanet 2024 RI has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 871149.

Europlanet Evaluation Unit

Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025 awarded to RECA Educación 

September 22, 2025

Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025 Awarded to RECA Educación 

The 2025 Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement has been awarded to Red de Estudiantes Colombianos en Astronomía (RECA) Educación, a Colombian non-profit network of volunteers that aims to bring science, astronomy and planetary science to schools and communities across Colombia. 

RECA Educación representatives Laura Ramirez Galeano and Natalia Oliveros received the prize, which comes with a cash award of €1000, and gave a lecture during the opening ceremony of the joint meeting of Europlanet Science Congress and the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Science (EPSC-DPS2025) in Helsinki.

Thibaut Roger, presenting the prize on behalf of Europlanet, said: “RECA is an inspirational organisation that carries out impactful work to engage communities and groups in remote and rural areas where access to science education can be extremely limited. Through the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement, we are proud to recognise the importance of the volunteer work from RECA and its approach of combining rigorous science with culturally sensitive and inclusive teaching methods. They are a model for what astronomy outreach can achieve when driven by equity, passion and purpose.”  

The RECA association, founded in 2012, seeks to create and maintain strong links among Colombian astronomy students in the country and around the world. One of RECA’s main goals is to build a collaborative community of early-career and professional astronomers to strengthen the country’s scientific development and foster long-term academic growth. Since 2021, the educational node, RECA Educación, has spearheaded a public scientific outreach programme that deploys online communications to construct a bridge between professional scientists and school students across the country, including in the most rural communities. 

RECA Educación has developed multiple projects such as La Astronomía va a tu colegio (Astronomy Talks in Your School), Remote Observations in partnership with Shadow the Scientists, drawing contests, and BARCO (Bringing Astronomy to Rural Communities). The network currently reaches hundreds of schools in all 32 regions of Colombia, as well as participating in international collaborations to connect schools with scientists around the world.

The RECA team is composed primarily of young scientists and students, who are passionate about making science a right, not a privilege. Despite limited resources, they have developed creative and inclusive formats for delivering astronomy content, including storytelling sessions and hands-on experiments adapted for the home or classroom. 

On receiving the prize, Ramirez Galeano said: “We are truly honoured to receive the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025. It brings us great joy and motivation to know that our efforts to bring astronomy and planetary science to underserved and often overlooked communities are appreciated at such a level.”

As a next step, with the support of the Europlanet prize funding, RECA Educación aims to distribute to schools across Colombia copies of Salomé, a comic-based educational initiative that introduces children to exoplanets and the scientific method in an engaging, narrative-driven format. The team also plans to develop complementary workshops, and train teachers to use the Salomé comic as an accessible entry point to planetary science. 

Images

Laura Ramirez Galeano and Natalia Oliveros receiving the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025 on behalf of RECA Educación at EPSC-DPS2025 in Helsinki, Finland. Credit: Europlanet.

https://www.europlanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RECA_EPSC-DPS2025_Prize_Presentation.jpeg

Full resolution image for download: https://www.flickr.com/photos/europlanetmedia/54793904351/sizes/o/

Video

The prize lecture by Laura Ramirez Galeano and Natalia Oliveros can be found here:

Contacts

Laura Ramirez Galeano
University of Geneva, Switzerland
RECA Educación 
reca.educacion@gmail.com

Natalia Oliveros Gomez
Johns Hopkins University, USA
RECA Educación
reca.educacion@gmail.com

EPSC-DPS2025 Press Office
press@europlanet.org

Notes for Editors

About RECA

We are a network that wants to unite and link Colombian astronomy students with professionals and aspiring astronomers.

  • Mission: Teach astronomy in Colombia at all educational levels, with the support of RECA’s professional astronomers. All resources we offer are free of charge for the benefit of school students and teachers.
  • Vision: To be a support for schools in their educational challenges of astronomy and a reference for the new generations of all the regions of Colombia. 

Find out more:

About the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement with Planetary Science, established in 2010, is awarded to individuals or groups who have developed innovative and socially impactful practices in planetary science communication and education.

Through the Prize, Europlanet aims to:

  • Recognise achievements in engaging European citizens with planetary science, promoting inspiration, learning and social responsibility.
  • Raise the profile of public engagement and education as valued activities within the scientific community. 

About the Joint Meeting of the Europlanet Science Congress and the Division of Planetary Sciences (EPSC-DPS) 

The Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC), established in 2006 as the European Planetary Science Congress, is the largest planetary science meeting in Europe. It covers the entire range of planetary sciences, with an extensive mix of talks, workshops and poster sessions, as well as providing a unique space for networking and exchanges of experiences.

EPSC joined forces for the first time with the American Astronomical Society’s Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) for a joint meeting in Nantes, France, in 2011. This was followed by DPS-EPSC 2016 in Pasadena, EPSC-DPS 2019 in Geneva, and the return to the United States for the DPS-EPSC 2023 meeting in San Antonio. This year marks the third iteration of a joint European-based meeting. The intent of the joint meetings is not only to connect the European and North American planetary science communities, but also to consolidate two major meetings and motivate planetary scientists from all over the globe to attend. With over 1800 participants joining in person and online, EPSC-DPS2025 is the largest planetary science meeting held to date in Europe. https://www.epsc-dps2025.eu

Follow on social media (Bluesky, X and LinkedIn) with the hashtag #EPSC-DPS2025 for updates on the meeting.

About Europlanet

Europlanet (europlanet.org) is a non-profit association and membership organisation that provides the planetary science community with access to research infrastructure, services and training. The Europlanet Association Sans But Lucratif (AISBL), established in 2023, builds on the heritage of a series of projects funded by the European Commission between 2005 and 2024 (Grant Numbers 871149, 654208, 228319 and RICA-CT-2004-001637) to support the planetary science community in Europe and around the world. 

About the DPS

The Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS), founded in 1968, is the largest special-interest Division of the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Members of the DPS study the bodies of our own solar system, from planets and moons to comets and asteroids, and all other solar-system objects and processes. With the discovery that planets exist around other stars, the DPS has expanded its scope to include the study of extrasolar planetary systems as well. The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community, which it achieves through publishing, meeting organization, science advocacy, education and outreach, and training and professional development.

Meet Your New Europlanet Board Members

September 18, 2025

Meet Your New Europlanet Board Members

The results of the elections of the Europlanet Executive Board were announced at the Europlanet General Assembly at EPSC-DPS 2025 on Tuesday 9 September. Three new members were elected to the Board to join the President, two Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and three Board Members.

Find out about their objectives and what they hope to achieve by serving on the Europlanet Executive Board over the next four years:

New Executive Board Members

Grace Richards – Postdoctoral Researcher, INAF-IAPS

Grace Richards, Board Member (2025-2029)

As a postdoctoral researcher, I understand both the opportunities and the challenges that shape the journeys of students, PhDs, and postdocs within our community. I have been actively involved in Europlanet for several years, through the Transnational Access scheme, the Early Career Communications Working Group, review panels, teaching resources, illustrating EPSC conferences, and speaking at the Early Career Annual Week. These roles have shown me the breadth of opportunities Europlanet provides for early career researchers, both within academia and in many other career paths.

If elected to the Executive Board, my priorities will be to highlight funding and training opportunities, so early career researchers are aware of the resources that can help their careers progress. I want to strengthen links with the Early Careers Network, acting as a facilitator between the grassroots community and Europlanet leadership. I will work to broaden career pathways, encouraging opportunities in communication, policy, and industry as well as academia. I will also support inclusivity and accessibility, helping to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups and under-resourced regions. Finally, I want to recognise and celebrate the contributions of young researchers, ensuring they feel connected, represented, and empowered within our community.

Séverine Robert – Planetary Atmospheres, Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA/IASB)

Séverine Robert, Board Member (2025-2029)

I am a planetary scientist working on planetary atmospheres at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy in Brussels. For the past five years, I have been actively involved in the Europlanet Regional Hubs. This experience has shown me the challenges of building and maintaining active local communities, but also reinforced my belief in the importance of creating these connections. I am convinced that our community becomes stronger, more impactful, and more resilient when we collaborate, share resources, and bring together diverse ideas.

If elected to the Executive Board, I will support Europlanet in sustaining its long-term activities, ensuring geographical inclusivity, and encouraging the participation of early-career researchers. I want to help shape the Society’s strategic direction, support existing initiatives, and bring new ideas with energy and commitment. I believe that learned societies such as Europlanet are essential for structuring our community, promoting our disciplines, and building bridges between science, society, and policy. As a Board member, I will be dedicated to actively representing the members, encouraging synergies across the Regional Hubs, and advancing the core values of openness and cooperation that lie at the heart of the Europlanet Society.

Stéphane Erard – Observatory of Paris / LIRA / VESPA

Stéphane Erard, Board Member (2025-2029)

I am a planetary scientist at the Observatory of Paris / LIRA, working on the origin and evolution of terrestrial planets and small bodies, from Mars to asteroids, comets, the Moon, and Mercury. My career bridges observation, modelling, and data stewardship, always with the aim of making scientific progress collaborative, open, and inclusive. Over three decades, I have contributed to major space missions such as Mars Express, Rosetta, Venus Express, and BepiColombo, alongside telescopic and laboratory studies of planetary surface spectroscopy. Since joining Europlanet-RI in 2009, I have led efforts to make Solar System data openly available, including coordinating the VESPA data access service, a cornerstone of Europlanet’s infrastructure.

If elected to the Board, I will work to strengthen data services for researchers and Pro-Am collaborations, expand collaboration between space agencies, institutions, and infrastructures such as EOSC, and support early-career researchers through training, mentorship, and international networking. I will also promote diversity and inclusion to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups and countries, and encourage sustainable practices in research infrastructure. I bring experience in data leadership, a deep knowledge of Europlanet’s frameworks, and a vision for a Society that is ambitious, inclusive, and socially responsible.

In Memory of Riccardo Pozzobon

September 8, 2025

In Memory of Riccardo Pozzobon

We are devastated by the news that Riccardo Pozzobon was involved in a tragic accident while on a research trip to the Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, on 2 September 2025.

Riccardo graduated in Geology and Technical Geology in Padua in 2010 and, after obtaining his PhD, specialised in the field of planetary geology.

A talented and inspirational researcher, Riccardo participated in numerous international missions, published significant studies (including discoveries on lunar lava tubes) and was a lecturer in the Digital Geological Mapping at the University of Padova. He was also an instructor in the PANGEA training course for astronauts at the European Space Agency.

For Europlanet, he was a key driver of the Geological Mapping (GMAP) activity and, in particular, the Geological Mapping Winter School. The online Winter School, established during Covid in 2021, has grown to attract over 750 participants in 2025 and is a reflection of Riccardo’s commitment to curiosity, collaboration and community building.

He will be very much missed.

Our thoughts are with Riccardo’s family, particularly his wife and young son. To support them in this unimaginably difficult time, efforts are underway by friends and colleagues at the University of Padova to set up a donation fund. 

There will be book of condolence at the main Europlanet stand at EPSC-DPS2025 from 08-12 September, which we invite Riccardo’s friends and colleagues to sign. Alternatively, please share memories of him or pictures via the form below, which we will collate and send with the book to the family.

We will add here details of pages with further information about Riccardo and ways to support his family as they become available.

Links

University of Padova Department of Geosciences statement on the passing of Riccardo Pozzobon

Gallery of images of Riccardo

Riccardo Pozzobon. Credit: ESA.
Riccardo Pozzobon creating a 3D model of samples collected by Luca Parmitano one hour previously on the ISS. Credit: AP Rossi.
Riccardo Pozzobon (left) during an ESA PANGEA training course. Credit: AP Rossi.
Riccardo Pozzobon during a field trip. Credit: University of Padova.
Riccardo Pozzobon (right) during an ESA PANGEA-X training course in 2017. Credit: AP Rossi.

Germany Hub Vacancies

September 7, 2025

Germany Hub Vacancies

Earlier in 2025, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Planetenforschung (German Society for Planetary Research) was established. The new association is organising a splinter meeting at EPSC-DPS2025 to advertise its activites and to discuss its relationship and potential collaboration with the Europlanet Germany Regional Hub.

The position of Europlanet Germany Regional Hub is currently vacant, as are some other roles within the Committee. People who are interested in taking on the role of Hub Chair, other roles, or becoming involved in other ways, are invited to attend the EPSC-DPS2025 Splinter meeting at Finlandia Hall on Wednesday, September 2025 from 12:45–13:45 (EEST) in Room Triton (Room 24).

Call for Nominations for Europlanet Board Members

July 7, 2025

Call for Nominations for Europlanet Board Members

Europlanet invites nominations for three Board Member positions on the Europlanet Executive Board.

Deadline for nominations: 1 August 2025.

The election results will be announced during the General Assembly at the EPSC-DPS joint meeting in Helsinki/online on Tuesday 9 September 2025. An online ballot will be launched at least 20 days before the meeting, with all Europlanet members encouraged to vote.

The Executive Board is the governing body of the Europlanet Association and Society; Executive Board members are responsible for directing and controlling the affairs and property of Europlanet, including EPSC. The Executive Board consists of five Officers (the President, two Vice-Presidents, the Secretary and the Treasurer) and six other Members, who are elected for a period of four years.

In 2025 the elections will concern three Board Member positions. The Officers of Europlanet thank the outgoing Board Members, Federica Duras, Leigh Fletcher and Melissa Mirino, for their service over recent years.

The call for nominations is now open for potential candidates for the Europlanet Executive Board Member positions. The call will close on 1 August 2025.

Any two Europlanet members may nominate candidates for the election to the Executive Board. Self-nomination is possible and encouraged, and any person nominating a third party should have their agreement that their name can be put forward. Standing as a candidate for Board Member is an important opportunity to help shape Europlanet at an exciting time, so please consider taking on this role!

Workload for the Executive Board members

Executive Board members will meet virtually on a monthly basis to review the activities of Europlanet, its finances and to provide directions on future actions. Executive Board members are expected to follow-up on Europlanet activities relevant to their remit, and report on these activities during the Executive Board meetings. 

From time to time, Europlanet Board members will be asked to review funding requests submitted by Europlanet committees and members, as well as bi-annual reports from Europlanet committees and working groups. 

Executive Board members are expected to attend the General Assembly (normally timed to coincide with the EPSC meeting) and other virtual meetings during the year (Europlanet Teams Days in November and May) to report on activities of Europlanet to its membership.

Finally, Executive Board members should act as ambassadors of Europlanet, wherever possible, to promote its activities and actively look for collaboration and funding opportunities for the association.

Conflicts of Interest

Executive Board members should declare any potential conflict of interest that could prevent them from acting in the best interest of Europlanet, notably with respect to European and international organisations and funding agencies (e.g. the European Commission, ESA, NASA) and sister organisations.

This form is closed.

Call for Nominations for the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025

June 13, 2025

Call for Nominations for the Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025

Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025.

**Deadline for submissions is 18 July 2025**

About the Europlanet Prize For Public Engagement 2025

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement recognises achievements in engaging citizens with planetary science. The Prize is awarded annually to individuals or groups who have developed innovative and socially impactful practices in planetary science communication, engagement or education.

The Europlanet Prize for Public Engagement 2025 will consist of a cash award of €1000, a registration waiver and a travel grant of €250 for the EPSC-DPS 2025 Joint Meeting in Helsinki.

The call is now closed. Winners will be notified by 31 July 2025.

Find out more:

Nominations Form
About the Prize
FAQs
Past Winners

Europlanet Teams Day – 7 May

April 18, 2025

Europlanet Teams Day

Wednesday 7 May at 11.00 – 15.30 CEST, Online


Join us online on 7 May for Europlanet Teams Day, a space to explore the different ways people contribute to Europlanet, how to be more involved, and what Europlanet can do for you. Themed around fast-paced, interactive activities and breakout sessions with our regional hubs and thematic committees and working groups, Europlanet Teams Day aims to get the community talking and working together.

Come and learn more about the bodies that make up the Europlanet community and where you fit into them.

Our agenda for the day will be released shortly.

Join the conversation and register here >>

Welcome to New Chair of Central Europe Hub

April 17, 2025

Welcome to New Chair of Central Europe Hub

Akos Kereszturi has taken up the role of Chair of the Europlanet Central Europe Hub from Andrea Opitz. Many thanks to Akos for taking this role and to Andrea for her efforts over recent years.

Ákos Kereszturi, Chair of the Europlanet Central Europe Hub.
Ákos Kereszturi, Chair of the Central Europe Hub

Akos Kereszturi (DSc) is a planetary geologist in Hungary. His main fields of research are surface analysis of Mars, Moon, Venus, asteroids and other bodies, laboratory analysis of meteorites, and various astrobiology related topics, especially on the occurrence of liquid water and estimation of habitability. He is also working on Mars analogue field sites, and on the planning of robotic missions, contributing in the Comet Interceptor, Franklin Rosalind ExoMars rover, and HERA missions. He has worked as the ESPC Scientific Organising Committee (SOC) co-chair and will finish his term at the EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting .

Akos is leading the Astrophysical and Geochemical Laboratory at his home institute, fusing astronomy, geology, geochemistry and geography aspects, and teaching at the Eotvos Lorand University of Sciences in Budapest, as well as doing outreach and popularisation works as the president of the Hungarian Astronomical Association. He is deeply interested in to support East-European planetary science communities and activities, including to establish connections toward western institutes and ESA in various aspects exploiting funding possibilities.

Europlanet Executive Office – Invitation to Tender

March 13, 2025

Europlanet Executive Office – Invitation to Tender

Europlanet invites proposals to host its Executive Office. The Executive Office is responsible for administrative tasks, communications, membership coordination and technical support for Europlanet activities. Hosting the Europlanet Executive Office presents a unique opportunity to play a central role in Europlanet’s mission, supporting its day-to-day operations and long-term vision. 

About Europlanet

Europlanet (europlanet.org) promotes the advancement of planetary science and related fields for the benefit of the community. It is an international non-profit association (AISBL), registered in Belgium, and is open to individual and organisational members. Its core programmes include the provision of access to research infrastructure, virtual tools and services, training and networking activities. It also fosters grass-roots programmes to support the community.

Scope of the Europlanet Executive Office 

The Executive Office tasks are presented as a series of four Modules, which could be carried out by a single organisation, or a combination of organisations working together to complete the package of tasks. Knowledge of the planetary and/or international research community is desirable but not essential.

Overall, the staff effort is expected to total around 1 Full-Time Employee (FTE) to cover the Core Modules 1-4 (the Extended Module 2 is expected to require additional time and specialist skills and knowledge of the subject area, so is listed as optional). However, given the range of skills required, it is anticipated that a team of individuals working part time may be needed to provide the complete package of support. 

Quotes are invited for hosting the whole Executive Office package, or for specific Modules (e.g. Modules 1-3, Module 4 only, or Extended Module 2).

The contract with Europlanet AISBL to provide the Executive Office services will be for a five-year period, with a review and opportunity to terminate after three years.

Timeline

Call opens: 13 March 2025
Call closes: 23 April 2025
Interviews: 5-23 May 2025
Notification: 31 May 2025
Provisional contract start: 1 November 2025

Submissions

Details of how to prepare your submission and how proposals will be evaluated can be found in the full Invitation to Tender.

Please send your clarification questions and submissions to: Anita Heward, Vice President, Europlanet (aheward@europlanet.org).

You are also welcome to request an informal call to discuss proposals in advance of the submission deadline.

Invitation to Tender
Detailed Specification

Call for Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair of Europlanet Diversity Committee

December 9, 2024

Call for Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair of Europlanet Diversity Committee

We invite nominations for one Chair and one Vice-Chair position on the Diversity Committee of Europlanet. Deadline for nominations: 10 January 2025.

The Europlanet Diversity Committee acts as a strategic task force to advise, coordinate and champion activities across Europlanet that further its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity.

The Diversity Committee consists of ten officers from the Regional Hubs, an EPEC representative, an Executive Board representative, a Chair, a Vice-Chair, and a Secretary.

The call for nominations is now open for President and Vice President of Europlanet Diversity Committee. The call will close on 10 January 2025.

Standing as a candidate for Chair or Vice-Chair of the Diversity Committee is an important opportunity to help shape Europlanet at an exciting time, so please consider putting your name forward!

Application Form for Chair or Vice-Chair of the Diversity Committee

THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED.

Europlanet Vice President Elected

September 10, 2024

Europlanet Vice President Elected

The results of the elections of the Europlanet Society Executive Board were announced at the Europlanet General Assembly on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. Anita Heward will join the Board of the Europlaent Society and Europlanet AISBL.

Find out about her objectives and what she hopes to achieve by serving on the Board of the Europlanet Society over the next four years.

Vice President

Anita Heward

Anita Heward Vice-President (2024-2026)

I have been involved in Europlanet since 2006, when I took part in the very first outreach workshop and set up the press office for the inaugural Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) in Berlin. Since then, I have worked with Europlanet as it has evolved from a Networking Activity to a Research Infrastructure (RI), a Consortium and a Society, playing an active role in its outreach, communications and management, and helping to put in place the structures for its most recent incarnations. 

In 2019, I became the first elected Secretary of the Europlanet Society, serving a four-year term until November 2023. I led communications and community networking activities in the €10 million EC-funded Europlanet 2024 RI project, which ran from 1 February 2020 until 31 July 2024, and was a part of the Management Team at the University of Kent. I acted as the Virtual Organising Committee Chair for the first fully-virtual EPSC in 2020, and I have served as Vice-Chair of EPSC from 2021-2024 and for the 2019 EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting. Over the past year, I have also chaired a Sustainability Working Group to look at how to sustain activities carried out by Europlanet 2024 RI beyond the EC grant. I was a founding member of the Europlanet Association Sans But Lucratif (AISBL) which was established in 2023 to provide a independent legal structure for the sustainability of Europlanet activities.

I have been a director and trustee of several small businesses and charities, including the Dill Faulkes Educational Trust Ltd since 2012, and I have nearly 25 years’ experience working for astronomy-related organisations around the world.

I am now standing as Vice-President of the Executive Board of the Europlanet Society and Association to ask for a mandate to help Europlanet make the transition to a new, sustainable footing as a non-profit association that provides professional services to the community.  I do not seek a full 4-year term and aim to stand down by 2026 to make way for a new Vice President or President Elect who can take Europlanet forward, beyond this transitional phase.

The last few years have been a time of significant upheaval and challenge for us all due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For Europlanet, it has also been a time of rapid change and evolution. Independent evaluation of the Europlanet 2024 RI project demonstrates, for the first time, robust evidence of the important role Europlanet plays in underpinning the planetary community by providing access to facilities, field sites, services and expertise. It is critical that these activities should be maintained for the benefit of the community. 

In September 2024, Europlanet will launch a new organisational membership programme that will provide a solid foundation for its research infrastructure and networking activities, which have been developed and optimised over nearly 20 years.

I believe that my longstanding knowledge of Europlanet, coupled with my practical experience of running small non-profit enterprises, puts me in a unique position to help Europlanet through this evolution into an independent, sustainable association.

Europlanet’s ‘raison d’être’ is to support the planetary science community in Europe, cementing values of inclusiveness, diversity, collaboration and excellence in science. I would like to help ensure that Europlanet can continue to deliver this support to benefit the next generation of planetary scientists and, more broadly, Europe’s citizens.

EPSC2024: Farinella Prize 2024 Awarded to Ravit Helled

September 9, 2024

Farinella Prize 2024 Awarded to Ravit Helled

EPSC2024 Press Release 

Prof Ravit Helled, of the University of Zurich in Switzerland, has been awarded the 2024 Paolo Farinella Prize for her outstanding contributions to research into ‘the internal structure of planetary bodies: clues on formation processes of the Solar System’. The award ceremony took place today during the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 2024 in Berlin and was followed by a prize lecture by Prof Helled.

The annual prize was established in 2010 to honour the memory of the Italian scientist Paolo Farinella (1953-2000). Each year, the prize acknowledges an outstanding researcher not older than 47 years (the age of Prof Farinella when he passed away) who has achieved important results in one of Prof Farinella’s fields of work. Each edition of the prize focuses on a different research area and, in 2024, the topic covered theoretical, modelling, experimental and observational work on the internal structure of Solar System bodies, including planets, moons and small bodies. The award is supported by the Europlanet Society.

Prof Helled’s research deals with the formation of gaseous-rich planets inside and outside the Solar System. Her research on planetary interiors aims to determine the composition and internal structures of planets. She proposed that the cores of giant planets, which are enriched with heavy elements, might not be distinct from the rest of the deep interior region. This idea that cores are dilute or fuzzy, with some hydrogen and helium contained in the core and a gradual heavy-element structure extending into the deep interior, has since been confirmed by mission data. 

Adriano Campo Bagatin, of the University of Alicante in Spain, said on behalf of the Paolo Farinella Prize Committee: “Ravit Helled has made first-order contributions to our understanding of giant planet formation, structure and evolution. She introduced the idea of dilute cores that was subsequently confirmed by Juno and Cassini measurements of Jupiter and Saturn. She has investigated different possible structures for gas giants and ice giants, both in this Solar System and elsewhere, and has shown how these structures are related to accretion processes. She has a strongly international perspective with involvement in both ESA and NASA spacecraft missions.”

Prof Helled obtained her Bachelor’s degree and PhD from the University of Tel Aviv. She joined the Department of Astrophysics at the University of Zurich in 2016 as Assistant Professor and has been Full Professor since 2023. She is a Co-Investigator on NASA’s Juno and ESA’s Juice missions, a Science Team Member of ESA’s Plato mission and the Interior Working Group Leader and a Consortium Member of ESA’s Ariel mission.

Prof Helled said on receiving the award: “I am very honored to receive the Farinella Prize. I am proud to be part of the planetary science community and thankful for doing research on a daily basis. I also thank my collaborators, students and postdocs who make the science journey so exciting and enjoyable.“

About the Paolo Farinella Prize

The Paolo Farinella Prize (https://www.europlanet.org/paolo-farinella-prize/) was established to honour the memory and the outstanding figure of Paolo Farinella (1953-2000), an extraordinary scientist and person. The prize is awarded in recognition of significant contributions given in the fields of interest of Farinella, which span from planetary sciences to space geodesy, fundamental physics, science popularization, and security in space, weapons control and disarmament. The winner of the prize is selected each year on the basis of their overall research results in a chosen field. Candidates must participate in international and interdisciplinary collaborations, and be not older than 47 years, the age of Farinella when he passed away, at the date of 25 March 2000. The prize was first proposed during the ‘International Workshop on Paolo Farinella the scientist and the man’, held in Pisa in 2010 and supported by the University of Pisa, ISTI/CNR and by IAPS-INAF (Rome), and first awarded in 2011.

The 2024 Paolo Farinella Prize Committee:

  • Francis Nimmo (Chair. UC Santa Cruz, USA)
  • Erik Asphaug (Univ. of  Arizona, USA)
  • Ricardo Hueso (Univ. del País Vasco, Spain)
  • Hauke Hussmann (DLR, Germany)
  • Catherine Johnson (UBC, Canada)
  • Adriano Campo Bagatin (Univ. Alicante, Spain)

Paolo Farinella Prize winners:

  • 2011: William Bottke (Physics and dynamics of small Solar System bodies)
  • 2012: John Chambers (Formation and early evolution of the Solar System)
  • 2013: Patrick Michel (Collisional processes in the Solar System)
  • 2014: David Vokrouhlicky (Understanding of the dynamics and physics of Solar System, including how pressure from solar radiation affects the orbits of both asteroids and artificial satellites)
  • 2015: Nicolas Biver (Molecular and isotopic composition of cometary volatiles by means of submillimetre and millimetre ground and space observations)
  • 2016: Kleomenis Tsiganis (Studies of the applications of celestial mechanics to the dynamics of planetary systems, including the development of the Nice model)
  • 2017: Simone Marchi (Understanding the complex problems related to the impact history and physical evolution of the inner Solar System, including the Moon)
  • 2018: Francis Nimmo (Understanding of the internal structure and evolution of icy bodies in the Solar System and the resulting influence on their surface processes)
  • 2019: Scott Sheppard and Chad Trujillo (Observational characterisation of the Kuiper belt and the Neptune-trojan population)
  • 2020: Jonathan Fortney and Heather Knutson (Understanding of the structure, evolution and atmospheric dynamics of giant planets)
  • 2021: Diana Valencia and Lena Noack (Understanding of the interior structure and dynamics of terrestrial and super-Earth exoplanets)
  • 2022: Julie Castillo-Rogez and Martin Jutzi (Asteroids: Physics, Dynamics, Modelling and Observations)
  • 2023: Federica Spoto and Diego Turrini (From superbolides to meteorites: physics and dynamics of small planetary impactors).

Images

Prof Ravit Helled, winner of the Farinella Prize 2024, is looking directly at the camera.
Prof Ravit Helled. Credit: Jos Schmid.

Science Contacts

Prof Ravit Helled
Department of Astrophysics
University of Zurich
Switzerland
http://www.ics.uzh.ch/~rhelled/Site/Home.html
ravit.helled@uzh.ch

Media Contact
Anita Heward
Press Officer
EPSC2024
Phone: +44 7756 034243
a.heward@europlanet-society.org

About the Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 

The Europlanet Science Congress (https://www.epsc2024.eu/), established in 2006 as the European Planetary Science Congress, is the largest planetary science meeting in Europe and regularly attracts around 1200 participants. It covers the entire range of planetary sciences with an extensive mix of talks, workshops and poster sessions, as well as providing a unique space for networking and exchanges of experiences.

Follow on X/Twitter via @europlanetmedia and using the hashtag #EPSC2024.

About Europlanet

Europlanet (www.europlanet-society.org) is a not-for-profit association and membership organisation that provides the planetary science community with access to research infrastructure, services and training. The Europlanet Internationale Association Sans But Lucratif (AISBL), established in 2023, builds on the heritage of a series of projects funded by the European Commission between 2005 and 2024 to support the planetary science community in Europe and around the world. 

Europlanet received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement numbers 871149 (Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure) and 654208 (Europlanet 2020 RI), FP7 under grant agreement number 228319 (Europlanet RI) and FP6 under grant agreement number RICA-CT-2004-001637 (European Planetology Network).

Meet the Ireland-UK Hub Committee

August 6, 2024

The Ireland-UK Hub Committee met in person at the British Planetary Science Congress (BPSC) in June 2024. The mission statement for the Hub, the committee composition and the recruitment of positions to be filled were discussed. The hub is particularly searching for more Irish representatives to join the committee.

BPSC 2024 took place at Space Park Leicester (SPL) and the adjacent National Space Centre in Leicester between 18-21 June. The event started with a 1-day workshop for early careers, during which experienced SPL engineers and project managers presented examples of how space instruments and missions are developed. The main 3-day conference consisted of oral and poster sessions, reflecting the range of topical planetary and space science activities in the UK. Europlanet sponsored the event through the Ireland-UK Hub. The Europlanet Management Team from the University of Kent attended with a stand and participated in the community consultation day.

Get to know some of the members of the Ireland-UK Hub Committee through their profiles:

Steve Miller – Interim Chair and Royal Astronomical Society Liaison, University
College London

Steve Miller, Ireland-UK Hub Interim Chair.
Steve Miller

Steve Miller is Emeritus Professor of Science Communication and Planetary Science at University College London, and Chair of the Royal Astronomical Society’s outreach and engagement programme RAS200: Sky & Earth. His planetary science interests lie in understanding how giant planets – like Jupiter and Saturn, and some of the hot, giant exoplanets – couple with their space environment. A former political journalist, Steve is interested in wider science and society issues. He is (co-)author of Science in Public: communication, culture and credibility (1998) and The Chemical Cosmos: a guided tour (2011). Steve is a Founder Member of Europlanet and the Europlanet Society.

Peter Fawdon – UK Planetary Forum Liaison, Open University

Peter is a research fellow at the Open University. In his research is he uses geological remote sensing to understand the geological history of early Mars. Focusing on geographic contexts of where heat (volcanoes) and water (rivers, lakes and ice) have interacted. This is part of his broad interest in the context of life outside Earth; understanding where the places are in which life could have lived. He is an involved member of the ExoMars mission, as part of the Science operations working group leading the geological mapping of the landing site, as and as part of the PanCam and CaSSIS camera teams.

Peter became involved in Europlanet through his organisation of BPSC2022 and his desire to expand the UK Planetary Forum to better serve the needs of the flourishing planetary research community across the British Isles.

Chrysa Avdellidou – Vice Chair, University of Leicester

Chrysa Avdellidou, Ireland-UK Hub Member.
Chrysa Avdellidou

I am a Lecturer in Planetary Science (University of Leicester), studying asteroids, moons and impacts in our solar system with experiments and observations. I am a collaborator at the ORISIS-REx, an ESA participating scientist at the Martian Moon eXploration, and I participate in the LUnar Meteoroid Impact Observer cubesat team. I hold a Physics Degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a PhD in Physics from the University of Kent. I was a fellow at ESA/ESTEC and at the Observatory of Nice. I am a council member of the Royal Astronomical Society. My aim is to promote planetary science via the UK/Ireland node.

Jack Wright – Secretary, Open University

Jack Wright, Ireland-UK Hub Member.
Jack Wright

Originally from Belfast, Jack Wright is a European Space Agency Research Fellow based at the European Space Astronomy Centre outside Madrid, Spain. He completed his PhD in planetary geology at the Open University (UK) in 2019, during which he made the first geological map of Mercury’s Hokusai quadrangle. He stayed at the Open University for two postdoctoral positions where he produced advanced planetary maps, including machine-learning-derived terrain maps of Martian rover landing sites. At ESA, he continues to use geological mapping to address big questions about Mercury, including the subsurface distribution of the planet’s enigmatic volatiles. Jack is looking forward to strengthening ties between planetary science researchers in Ireland and the UK as Secretary of the Europlanet Ireland & UK Regional Hub.

Lewis Dartnell – Outreach Officer, University of Westminster

Lewis Dartnell, Ireland-UK Hub Member.
Lewis Dartnell

I graduated from Oxford University with a degree in Biological Sciences and completed my PhD at University College London in 2007. I now hold the Professorship in Science Communication at the University of Westminster. My research is in the field of astrobiology and the search for microbial life on Mars, focusing on the cosmic radiation bombarding the martian surface. I am also very active in science communication and outreach. I deliver live events at schools and science festivals, work as a scientific consultant for the media, and have published five books, including one on astrobiology: ‘Life in the Universe: A Beginner’s Guide’. www.lewisdartnell.com

Planetary science research interests: Astrobiology, Mars, Cosmic Radiation, Extremophiles,
Biosignatures


Connor Hoad – EPEC Representative, Royal Holloway, University of London

Connor Hoad, Ireland-UK Hub Member.
Connor Hoad

I am a PhD student at Royal Holloway University of London, specialising in the remote sensing of Venus’s exotic surface terrains using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. Scientific interests outside of my PhD include the employment of machine learning techniques for planetary surface exploration, and SAR investigation of the lunar regolith. My involvement in Europlanet is centred around facilitating the engagement of Irish and British early career researchers with the broader European Planetary Sciences community.

Callum Piper – Europlanet Liaison

Callum joined Europlanet in 2021, working with the management team of the Europlanet 2024 Research Infrastructure to deliver access and networking activities to the planetary science community. Coming from a background in humanities, Callum coordinates community-building activities like the Europlanet Society Webinar Series and is heavily involved with Europlanet’s sustainability plans beyond the end of the Europlanet 2024 RI project.

Other Ireland-UK Hub Participants

Frances Butcher, University of Sheffield

Frances Butcher is a Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield. She researches glacial processes on Mars and Earth. She aims to understand the role of ice and ice-related processes in the evolution of Mars’ surface and climate, and also works on reconstructing Earth’s Quaternary ice sheets. Frances is committed to supporting the planetary science community and looks forward to facilitating interactions between the Irish, British and wider European planetary science communities.

Caitriona Jackman, Dunsink Observatory, Dublin

Prof Caitriona Jackman leads the Planetary Magnetospheres group and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Her research interests include magnetic reconnection, large-scale magnetospheric dynamics, remote sensing of radio, UV, X-ray emissions. She is very keen on communicating science to the general public, and led the development of Ireland’s first space-themed escape room at the DIAS Dunsink Observatory.

Europlanet 2024 RI has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 871149.
Europlanet AISBL (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif – 0800.634.634) is hosted by the Department of Planetary Atmospheres of the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), Avenue Circulaire 3, B-1180 Brussels, Belgium.